Introducing new employees to your company and your processes is a vital part of hiring new talent. You will need to teach them about any administrative processes that will happen during their onboarding period, as well as show them the ropes of their new position.
This is known as induction training, and is of vital importance to any new employee who enters your company. Induction training ensures that new workers adopt good working habits, helps them to feel as though they are part of your company and alerts them to the expectations that your company has for employees.
The description and expectations of the role
This is one of the most important parts of your induction training and should be the first step you take for your new employees. This should start as soon as they have accepted their role, as it will make the onboarding process easier and more efficient.
You will need to send them an offer letter, two copies of the contract (one for them to sign and one for them to keep), details of all benefits and a copy of the employee handbook. On their first day in the office, you should describe their new role to them in detail as well as how they are expected to perform. By taking this simple step, you are preparing your employees for the rest of their time at your company.
Health and safety in the workplace
You are legally required to provide your employees with any health and safety information they need to carry out their roles. You will need to provide them with a copy of the company’s health and safety policy. And ensure that they sign it once they have read over it and understood it.
You must inform all new workers of the fire safety procedures and tell them what to do if the alarm should sound. Health and safety in the workplace also involves your policies on using the kitchen in your office, so be sure to show them the kitchen and educate them on any rules you might have.
Tour the premises
It is important that your employees know the layout of the inside and outside of your office, especially if an emergency should occur. It is also helpful for them to know where the kitchen and restrooms are.
A tour of the premises will also allow new employees to familiarise themselves with the different departments. If they need to speak to the client services department, they will know exactly where to go rather than having to wander the halls lost. While this might not seem to be a vital part of induction training, it is helpful in making your employee feel welcomed and accepted in the company.
Introduction to their colleagues
Introducing new workers to their colleagues is an important part of induction training. You should start by introducing them to their line managers, the HR department, the health and safety officers and the employee representatives.
Meeting their line manager first will allow your new employee to get a feel for the role and get to know who they will be reporting to. It can make first days less stressful and maintain a friendly office atmosphere. Have a moment during your morning discussions to introduce your new employee to the rest of their colleagues, but be sure that they are okay with you doing this beforehand.
Provide ample orientation
The orientation period of the training should not be forgotten, nor should it be lackadaisical. You will need to include an introduction to the processes of logging on to computers, where to find stationery supplies, and the policy on use of phones during working hours.
Show your new employee how to turn on and log into their new computer, including how to access folders, emails and the company’s drive. It might be a good idea to assign a “work buddy” to your employee to help them with any new tasks at first. Providing ample orientation will make the transitioning process easier for your employees, but be sure to have regular catch up meetings during their first three months to see how they are handling the position.
Induction training is important
If you own a fast-paced company, you might not think that induction training is very important. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Induction training is immensely helpful for new employees, just as courses for team leaders are for more established employees.
You will need to provide a thorough description of their role, explain the health and safety procedures of your office and introduce new employees to the rest of the office on the first day. From here, you should have regular checkups during their first three months to ascertain their progress.